Nineteen local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing were apprehended by the Navy
 

Naval personnel arrested 19 local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing at three separate locations yesterday (22). Accordingly, 6 fishermen were apprehended while engaging in illegal fishing activities using monofilament nets in the seas off Kokkuthuduwai, by the naval personnel attached to SLNS Gotabhaya in Mullaitivu belonging to Eastern Naval Area. A dinghy, a diving mask and an unauthorized net used for fishing activities were also taken into naval custody. The apprehended persons and items were handed over to Mullaitivu Police for further investigations.

Further, naval personnel attached to SLNS Vijayaba in Nilaveli apprehended 7 more local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing in the sea area off Pigeon Island. Along with the suspects, a dinghy, a pair of diving fins and a diving mask were taken into custody. The arrested persons and their belongings were produced to the Trincomalee Range Forest Office for onward actions.

On the same day, another 6 fishermen were nabbed by the naval personnel attached to SLNS Vijaya in Kalpitiya in North Central Naval Area for practicing illegal fishing in Pullupiddi Lagoon area by means of unauthorized nets. The naval personnel also managed to seize 3 dinghies and 3 monofilament nets used for fishing practices. The apprehended fishermen and items were handed over to Puttalam Assistant Directorate of Fisheries for further investigations.